Menendez Brothers Resentenced to 50 Years to Life Parole Hearing Set for June
Erik and Lyle Menendez just scored a major legal victory — they’ve been resentenced to 50 years to life in prison, opening the door to possible parole after decades behind bars.
At Tuesday’s emotional court hearing, held via video, the Menendez brothers learned their original sentence — life without the possibility of parole — had officially been reduced. With this new sentence, they can now face the parole board, with their first hearing scheduled for June 13.
Family members present in court broke down in tears and hugged one another in celebration after the announcement. During the hearing, Erik and Lyle admitted to the killings and confessed to reloading their shotguns before returning to fatally shoot their mother.
Defense attorney Mark Geragos, who cohosts the 2 Angry Men podcast, has long pushed for their resentencing, citing over 30 years of rehabilitation and good conduct in prison.
Although Tuesday’s ruling doesn’t guarantee their release, it aligns with a February directive from California Governor Gavin Newsom instructing the state parole board to begin reviewing their case.
Former L.A. County D.A. George Gascón supported the resentencing. However, his successor, D.A. Nathan Hochman, has publicly opposed it, urging the brothers to fully acknowledge their crimes and apologize. Hochman also drew criticism last month after presenting graphic crime scene images in court — an act he defended as necessary context for the judge.
Geragos pushed back, accusing the D.A.’s office of focusing on shock tactics rather than addressing the brothers’ rehabilitation progress.
Now, all eyes are on the June 13 parole hearing. If the board approves their release and Governor Newsom signs off, the Menendez brothers could walk free. And even if denied parole, clemency remains an option.
